Writing Awards

2012–2013 Junior Historian Writing Contest

General Writing Awards

Kate Harding Bates Parker Award

For writing on history, preferably local or Texas history.
Senior Division 1st–$150, 2nd–$100 and 3rd–$75
Junior Division 1st–$100, 2nd–$75 and 3rd–$50
Elementary Division 1st–$100, 2nd–$75 and 3rd–$50
 
Elementary division members are eligible to participate in the Photographic Essay Contest designed to encourage young people to research and photograph places of historic significance. This contest is an extension of the Buildings in Time activity found in the Save Our History Educators Manual from the Resource Section. Members research and photograph a building or location in their community, write a no more than 500 word description of the location based on the questions found on pages 15-17 in the Save Our History Educators Manual, and include a collection of photographs that adequately show the building. A completed entry must include four copies of the following:
  • A title page with only the name of the building, its address, and the student's name.
  • The no more than 500 essay, using endnotes.
  • An annotated bibliography with sources separated between primary and secondary.
  • The collection of photographs of the building with captions.
  • All entries should be typed on 8 by 11 inch white paper with 1 inch margins on all sides and stapled in the upper left hand corner.
  • Photos should be printed on photographic paper from either a standard 35 mm camera or be high resolution (300 dpi or greater) digital images.
 

Special Writing Awards

Lone Star Leadership in History Award

For an Elementary or Junior Division (grades 4-8) paper that analyzes the contributions of positive leadership by a leader(s) in Texas history. Winner must maintain an 85 or higher average in school and have an educator complete the nomination section of his/her Lone Star Leadership Academy application upon receipt of the award.
 
While open to elementary and middle school students, applicants for the Lone Star Leadership in History Award should adhere to the Junior Division wriitng contest guidelines. 
 
Winner will receive scholarship to Lone Star Leadership Academy valued up to $865.
Sponsored by Education in Action.

Thomas Ricks Lindley Memorial Award

For Senior Division (grades 9-12) papers that demonstrate outstanding research and writing on Texas history topics dealing with the period between 1821 and 1886. Papers should include a minimum of seven sources, of which at least three should be primary.
 
1st Place: $300 and a one-year membership in The Alamo Society and its publication The Alamo Journal
2nd Place: $200 and a one-year membership in The Alamo Society and its publication The Alamo Journal
3rd Place: $100 and one-year membership in The Alamo Society and its publication The Alamo Journal
Sponsored by Friends and Family of Thomas Ricks Lindley.
 
The Robert Leon Buxton Memorial Award for History
 
For writing on the topic of westward expansion within the United States of America between the years 1607 to 1959. Students are encouraged to have a personal connection with the subject matter, if possible.
 
Senior $100
Junior $100
Sponsored by the Buxton Family.

Minnie Fisher Cunningham Memorial Award for Women's History

For writing on women's history in Texas.
Senior $100
Junior $100
Sponsored by the Hanta Yowin Society

Cindy Billington Award for Women's History

For writing on American women, especially in the pre-1840 and/or Texas Revolutionary eras.
Senior $100
Junior $100
Sponsored by the Hanta Yowin Society and John Billington

Willie Lee Gay Award for African-American History

For writing on African-American History in Texas.
Senior $100
Junior $100

Jewish History Award

For writing on Jewish history, preferably Jewish history in Texas.
First Place $100
Second Place $50
Sponsored by Texas Jewish Historical Society.

Entry Submission Deadline: March 1, 2013

 

Texas State Historical Association logoRiding Line - Texas State Historical Association